TDG undertook a comprehensive assessment of silt levels in a 2.4km ocean outfall, utilising a sonar-equipped sub from the MSI toolkit. This follow-up inspection, necessitated by significant silt buildup over a decade, aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Council’s cleaning program.
Navigating the variable flow output from the treatment plant and coordinating with tidal cycles posed initial hurdles in floating a rope through the pipeline. Despite multiple attempts, our team successfully tethered the rope, carefully monitoring flow to prevent overflow risks. Accessing the downstream surge chamber required traversing a farmer’s paddock post-harvest to minimise potential damage.
Our meticulous data collection enabled a thorough analysis of silt levels, culminating in a comprehensive report for the client. Quantitative evidence showcased the effectiveness of the cleaning program, with silt volume reduced from 479m³ in 2013 to a mere 40m³ by 2023, signifying a significant improvement for the client.